The UK government has announced it is engaged in discussions about potentially supporting bids to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games during the 2040s.

The statement represents the earliest stages of what would be a lengthy bidding process for the summer Olympics, which are awarded by the International Olympic Committee approximately seven years before each Games.

The UK previously hosted the Summer Olympics in London in 2012, which were widely regarded as successful and left a positive legacy for British sport. The Games featured notable performances by British athletes and were praised for their organization and cultural impact.

No specific cities or venues have been identified for a potential UK bid, and the government has not committed to formally entering the bidding process. The discussions appear to be exploratory in nature as officials assess the feasibility and potential benefits of hosting the Games again.

The 2040s timeframe would place any potential UK Olympics at least 28 years after the London Games. The next several Olympic Games have already been awarded, with Paris hosting in 2024, Los Angeles in 2028, and Brisbane scheduled for 2032.